Overview

Reading literature closely opens up new ways of understanding the world, questioning assumptions and making sense of both historical and contemporary experience. The BA (Hons) English at the University of Bristol spans texts written in English from the medieval period to the present day, exploring literary traditions that range from the local to the global. Students are taught by leading scholars who introduce a range of critical and theoretical approaches, with real flexibility to choose interdisciplinary and creative writing options alongside core literary study. The course suits students who want to develop as readers, thinkers and writers within a genuinely broad and student-shaped degree, culminating in an independent final-year dissertation.

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What You'll Learn

• Literature written in English from medieval times to the present day

• Local, national and global literary traditions

• Critical and theoretical approaches to reading and interpreting texts

• Optional interdisciplinary units connecting English to other subject areas

• Creative writing as an alternative mode of literary study

• Close textual analysis across poetry, prose and drama

• How literature reflects and shapes historical and social change

• Independent research through a self-directed final-year dissertation

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyse literary texts spanning multiple periods, genres and traditions, applying a range of theoretical and critical approaches. They will be equipped to construct clear, well-evidenced written arguments about literature and its relationship to historical and social contexts. Through optional creative writing and interdisciplinary units, students will develop versatility as both critical readers and original writers. Graduates will leave with strong analytical, written and communication skills, along with the confidence to pursue independent research, well suited to further study or a wide range of careers across the creative economy, law, education and beyond.